GA Chiropractic Jurisprudence flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Practice Act citation

Georgia's chiropractic statute is O.C.G.A. Title 43, Chapter 9 (§ 43-9-1 et seq.). Board rules are in Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. Chapter 100.

Chiropractic defined

The statutory definition is the specific science and art of locating and correcting vertebral subluxations and adjusting the articulations of the human body, plus procedures authorized by Board rule.

Board rulemaking authority

The Board adopts rules under the Georgia Administrative Procedure Act, which requires notice, a public comment period, and filing with the Secretary of State before a rule takes effect.

Board disciplinary authority

The Board may investigate complaints, hold hearings, and impose sanctions including reprimand, fine, probation, suspension, and revocation, and may also deny or refuse renewal.

License as privilege

A Georgia chiropractic license is a personal privilege granted by the state, not a property right, and it is not transferable or assignable to another person.

Statutory licensure qualifications

Applicants must be at least 21, of good moral character, have required pre-professional college work, graduate from a Board-approved chiropractic college, and pass the required examination.

NBCE examination

The National Board of Chiropractic Examiners examination is the clinical examination accepted by the Board; the Board sets which parts are required and the passing score.

Licensure by endorsement

Endorsement allows a licensee of another state with substantially equivalent standards, who is in good standing with no pending discipline, to be licensed in Georgia.

Jurisprudence examination

Georgia may require applicants to pass an examination on the Practice Act and Board rules in addition to the clinical examination; passing is a condition of licensure.

Scope of chiropractic practice

Practice is limited to locating and correcting vertebral subluxations and adjusting articulations, plus authorized ancillary procedures such as examination, imaging, and nutritional advice.

Prohibited prescriptive acts

Chiropractors may not perform surgery, prescribe or dispense legend drugs or controlled substances, or administer anesthesia except as specifically authorized by statute or rule.

Delegation limits

Unlicensed assistants may perform administrative and specified supportive tasks but may not adjust, diagnose, or exercise independent clinical judgment; the licensee remains responsible.

Supervision requirement

The licensed chiropractor must supervise assistants, ensure assigned tasks are within their competence, and remain accountable for clinical acts performed under that supervision.

Prohibited advertising

Advertising that is false, deceptive, or misleading, that guarantees results, or that claims superiority without substantiation is prohibited and is grounds for discipline.

Required record content

Records must be legible and show identification, history, examination findings, diagnosis, treatment plan, services and dates, and progress notes sufficient to disclose the course of care.

Record retention

Board rules require retention of patient records for a set period after the last service, and records must be produced to the Board on request.

Office standards

Practice settings must meet Board standards for sanitation, adequate space, equipment maintenance, and safe handling of devices used in patient care.

Fee splitting prohibition

Paying or receiving compensation for patient referrals, and charging for services not rendered, are prohibited and constitute unprofessional conduct under the Act and rules.

Grounds for discipline

Grounds include unprofessional conduct, gross negligence, fraud in obtaining a license, practicing outside scope, crime of moral turpitude, impairment, and rule violations.

Due process in hearings

The licensee receives notice of charges, a fair hearing, the chance to present evidence and cross-examine, counsel, and a written decision appealable to superior court.

Summary suspension

Where public health or safety requires immediate action, the Board may summarily suspend a license, followed by a hearing within the time required by the Administrative Procedure Act.

Judicial review of decisions

A contested Board decision may be appealed by petition for judicial review to the superior court under the Georgia Administrative Procedure Act.

Renewal cycle

Licenses renew on the biennial cycle set by the Board; renewal requires the application, fee, and certification that continuing education requirements were met.

CE documentation burden

The licensee must earn CE from Board-approved sponsors and retain certificates; the licensee, not the Board, bears the burden of proving compliance if audited.

Late renewal penalty

Renewal after expiration but within the grace period is allowed on payment of a penalty fee; practicing beyond that period is unlicensed practice.

Reinstatement requirements

Reinstating a lapsed license may require back fees and penalties, proof of CE for the lapsed period, and possibly a reinstatement or jurisprudence examination.

Informed consent elements

Consent requires disclosure of diagnosis, proposed treatment, material risks and benefits, alternatives, and the right to refuse, and should be documented in the record.

Patient record access

Patients have the right to access their records and to have health information kept confidential, subject to disclosures authorized by law, subpoena, or patient consent.

Child abuse reporting

Chiropractors must report suspected child abuse or neglect to Georgia's Division of Family and Children Services as required by state mandatory reporting law.

Elder abuse reporting

Suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of elder or disabled adults must be reported to the appropriate state protective services authority under Georgia law.

Sexual misconduct

Sexual contact or an inappropriate dual relationship with a patient is unprofessional conduct and grounds for discipline, and patient consent is not a defense.

Duty to cooperate

Licensees must cooperate with Board investigations and respond truthfully to inquiries; failure to cooperate or providing false information is itself grounds for discipline.